Now let’s talk about the ultimate homemade burger today (one of the key reasons why I love summer and BBQ in general).
I am not the greatest meat-lover… but hand me a juicy, homemade burger and I will happily devour it. The best part is that a good burger is way easier to make than you think. No fancy equipment, no secret chef-level tricks, just some well-seasoned meat, and a grill that does the business. Once you try it, this burger might just sneak into your regular weekly menu. It’s that easy, and it’s that good.


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Why You’ll Love This Burger
This is not a basic, boring beef patty. This burger is bold, juicy, and packed with smoky flavour. Garlic, onion, and the perfect spice blend turn simple ground meat into something unforgettable.
The best part is that you control every bite, how fatty and flavourful the meat is, how bold the seasoning, and what toppings make the burger complete.
Want to melt some smoked cheddar on top? Go for it. Even pickled onions for a restaurant-worthy meal – I got you. This is your burger, your rules.
What You’ll Need
Ground meat – I use a 50/50 mix of ground pork and ground beef. The pork adds the fat and flavour, as the beef is usually too dry.
Onion – Finely chopped onion to add extra flavour. It is absolutely non-negotiable in my cooking, because it adds sweetness, juiciness, and a little texture.
Garlic – Because all good savory things start with garlic. I often use garlic powder, but fresh garlic works equally good.

Seasoning mix – I use smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. It’s bold but balanced for a perfect patty.
Smoked cheddar (optional but recommended) – You can melt a slice right on the grilled patty or mix tiny cubes into the meat.
Buns – I love Calabrese buns or simple dinner rolls.
Your favourite burger add-ns – I love ketchup, mustard, sweet relish, dill pickles, and pickled onions. Maybe some sliced tomatoes and lettuce, as well. You do your own favourites.
The Ultimate Homemade Burger
Recipe by BibaCourse: Main, LunchCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium4
servings10
minutes10
minutes20
minutesJuicy, smoky, and so easy! Learn how to grill a burger with this good burger recipe for the ultimate homemade burger patty.
Ingredients
- For the patties
600g ground meat (½ pork, ½ beef)
½ cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
- For the burger
Fresh buns
Smoked cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
Your favourite add-ins: pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, relish, mustard, etc.
Directions
- In a big bowl, mix the ground meat.
- Add spices, Worcestershire, chopped onions, and garlic powder.
- Mix gently - hands work best here, until everything is evenly combined.
- Form 4 large patties. Press slightly in the center so they cook evenly.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or until ready to grill).
- Take patties out 30-40 minutes before grilling so they reach room temperature.
- Grill on medium-high heat for about 5–7 minutes per side or until golden and juicy.
- If using cheese, add it at the last minute of grilling so it melts like wonderfully.
- Toast the buns if you like (or not), then assemble and pile on your toppings.
Notes
- Sometimes I cut the cheddar in small cubes and mix it straight in the meat before forming the patties and start grilling. It is amazing how nice the cheese melts.
Quick Pickled Onions
This is totally optional, but highly recommended. If you want to make pickled onions, here is how:
- Slice red onion into thin rounds.
- Soak in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain. This helps to reduce the intensity of the flavour and smell.
- Pour red wine vinegar to cover and let sit for at least 30 minutes. That’s it. Start layering the burgers.

You can also use the pickled onions for tacos. Or just add in for your favourite potato salad or any green salad mix. So many options, and such an easy thing to do.
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Hi, I’m Biba, the creator of Chick in Apron! As a busy mom and food blogger, I am passionate about making cooking fun and stress-free. I share simple, delicious recipes that are quick and easy to prepare, along with helpful kitchen hacks to save you time.
So, let’s turn cooking into something you enjoy with tasty meals and handy tips to make kitchen tasks a breeze! ✨